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Here Comes the Rain!Homecoming 2016

Back-to-Back Powderpuff Success ​for the Class of 2017

by Molly Landolt

Some say we shattered the glass ceiling, broke down barriers, and shaped a pathway to success, but we just say we were the first class at Washington High School to win Powderpuff two years in a row.

Last year, the class of 2017 went into the annual Powderpuff football game with one goal: to beat the seniors. Traditionally, the senior class wins the powderpuff game, regardless of how many points they actually score. The junior class went into the game highly prepared. Almost the whole team showed up to practice the Saturday prior to the game, opposed to the approximately 20 senior girls that practiced.

With all of our plays ready and positions set, we were ready to dominate. To the great displeasure of the class of 2016, we annihilated them. We played fair, and scored more touchdowns. Our junior class went into Washington High School history as being the first junior class to ever defeat the seniors in Powderpuff.

This year, as seniors, we knew we needed to dominate. We had a title to defend. At practice, we prepared our plays, and we went into the game confident. The juniors put up a good fight, and the game was pretty close at the half. After the half, the senior class pulled ahead and won 39-19.

The camaraderie between our classmates led us to success two years in a row. It was really amazing watching the girls in our class cheer for each other and bond. Winning felt great, but our class uniting felt even better.

From now on, the class of 2017 shall be known for winning Powderpuff two years in a row. Will another class be able to do the same? Only time will tell.

A Tweet-Worthy Homecoming

Homecoming King and Queen​Ben Straatmann and Emma Pabst

Homecoming 2016 Highlight Video

A Insider's View of Homecoming Court

by Dylan Brocato

Looking back on the past few weeks, I am shocked that I was on the Homecoming Court. I was focused on winning senior class secretary and I hadn't really given Homecoming much thought.

When my name was called, excitement went through my body. Adam, Joe, and I were so excited that we stopped listening and missed hearing Adam's name. I was confused because I thought for sure Adam would be on court. It caught me off guard when I didn't hear his name. Several of us went to Mrs. Jinkerson to see the list of candidates. Sure enough, Adam Gauzy was on there, fifth from the top.

After clearing that up, I thought that my mom deserved a text. The first thing my mom said was, "I am so proud of you!" It was followed by, "Can I post this on facebook?"

You must admit, if something big like this happens, it's awesome news to share. It always feels good to get that congratulations call or text.

Growing up, I always went to the Homecoming parade. I remember how cool I thought the kids sitting in convertibles were. To think that would finally be me felt really amazing. Unfortunately, the weather forecast all week called for rain all day Friday, but I kept my fingers crossed.

I rarely dress up, but for Homecoming, I went out and got a new outfit. I was ready to be the cool guy young kids look up to riding in a convertible.

When I woke up on Friday, it wasn't raining, but I could tell that it rained the night before. I checked my weather app, wishing for a change in forecast, only to notice that the chance of rain had grown to 90%. When I got to school I was told that a decision on the parade would be made by 1:00pm. I still kept my fingers crossed.

During fifth hour, I was in Blue Jay Journal TV catching up with alumni Kristen Mittler when Dr. McCallum came over the intercom, "Students and staff, sorry for the interruption. I regret to inform you that the Homecoming parade has been cancelled due to the threat of severe weather in the area during the scheduled time of the parade."

I was upset. That was the most excited I had been about a school-related event in a VERY long time.

That evening, I showed up to the Homecoming game in the pouring rain. I had to dress nice for the halftime presentation of the court, so I tossed on a poncho to attempt to keep dry. It did not work at all. Walking out in front of the rather small Homecoming crowd was a great experience. Hearing my "fun facts" being read out loud was awesome because I gave people a good laugh with some of them.

After the halftime presentation I went into the locker room with Adam and Joe. We quickly changed for the dance. I had no trouble getting ready until the tough task of tying my tie. I know how to tie a tie, but for some reason I had trouble with this one.

​I asked for scissors from Mrs. Jinkerson and she quickly replied with, "That is a nice tie, I am not letting you cut it." Finally, we came up with the clever idea of using the tie clip to fasten the longer part to where it did not show.

At coronation, I knew deep down that I wasn't going to win. I was up against the star football player who all the underclassmen knows and likes. It was no shock when Ben Straatmann was announced Homecoming King. He and Emma made a great King and Queen.

Although Homecoming did not work out like I imagined, it still worked. One can't control the weather and ponchos only do so much.

I have so much respect for everyone who put so much time and effort into this event.

I learned that even if you don't hear your name called as a winner, you should be glad you are fortunate enough to be there. I know I am very thankful to have had this experience.